Football: CU Buffs' Jon Embree looking ahead to next year

Changes to staff could come as soon as Saturday

Jon Embree is upset with a no call of a block in the back that enabled Utah to score a touchdown.
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CLIFF GRASSMICK
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Everyone knows significant changes are coming in the Colorado football program in the days ahead now that the Buffs' season is over after their eighth consecutive loss Friday at Folsom Field.

But how extensive those changes might be remains to be seen.

Will the university and athletic department administration decide to wipe the slate clean by firing coach Jon Embree and all of his assistants after a 1-11 season, admitting they made a mistake in allowing themselves to be pressured into hiring a former Buff two years ago? Or will they stick with Embree and allow him to remake his staff and take his offense and defense in new directions in the spring?

Embree seemed confident he will return for a third season when discussing the future during his postgame session with the media. He said his preparations for the 2013 season will begin at 6:30 Sunday night. He also plans to be on the road recruiting most of next week.

It's conceivable Embree could meet with assistant coaches Saturday to inform everyone of where they stand.

If he decides to part ways with coaches such as defensive coordinator Greg Brown or offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, graduate assistant coaches could be used to help fill the gaps in recruiting until replacements are hired. And that might not be until early January after bowl season.

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Brown and Bieniemy are assumed to be the most at risk of losing their jobs because they are most responsible for the Buffs ranking at or near the bottom nationally in numerous major statistical categories on both offense and defense.

Bieniemy was asked about his job security as the offensive coordinator after Friday's game.

"Whatever is going to happen is going to happen," he said. "You don't coach this game scared. Everybody is hired to be fired. I'm going to keep working my ass off and being who I am. If they decide to go in a different direction, that's what we do. I know who I am and I know what I'm about.

"You're always disappointed. This is a production-driven industry. You're measured by wins and losses and obviously if you're not winning, then hey, you've always got to take a look at self."

The Buffs were the youngest team in the nation at the outset this season and at times they were even younger than planned with several of the eight seniors on the roster missing major time with injuries. Embree says he is excited about being able to coach his freshmen and redshirt freshmen when they are sophomores, juniors and seniors.

"The one advantage of having all this youth is it all comes back and it comes back mature and obviously with tons of experience," Embree said.

Embree is also planning a move to spread offense that still emphasizes running the ball. He plans to fully implement that change in the spring and summer if he remains in charge. All indications from school officials point toward him being retained.

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